Adopting a Rescue Dog: Tips for Surviving the First Seven Days (2023)

Adopting a Rescue Dog: Tips for Surviving the First Seven Days (1)

So you've decided that you want to add a dog to your family and you've decided to rescue a dog. Congratulations! Adopting from a dog rescue can be a difficult transition, so read these helpful tips to get you through the first seven days with your new dog.

By adopting a rescue dog, you are breathing new life into a dog that may have been mistreated in the past but still deserves some love.Schutz.

There are many benefits of adopting aWelpenbett, but they will also need a lot of rehabilitation and maybeeven rename.

The first week is a very important time to establish good routines and create a safe and loving space for your new onepuppy, and create a bond that will last for years to come.

The first few days need to be approached with care and intention to ensure the foundation of your new family dynamic is laid for everyone, includingyour new dog.

Preparing for rescue dog adoption

Before youBring your dog homeyou need to make sure your home is completely dog ​​proof. That means looking for anything that might be dangerous to them and removing it or making it safe.

Puppy adoption is exciting, but puppies are too curious for their own good. You think of the things that are accessible to them; Children's toys, household chemicals and electrical cables or appliances.

You need to do the same thing in your yard too: make sure there are no gaps in the fence and be on the lookout for gapsPlants that can be dangerousfor your newpuppy.

Once you've made sure your home is safe, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment for your dog.🇧🇷 As a minimum you will need a bed, dog food and bowls, a leash, a leash, some toys and a crate.

Check out oursNew Puppy Checklistto ensure you have the right tools to get your new rescue dog off to a great start.

Adopting a Rescue Dog: Tips for Surviving the First Seven Days (2)

Day 1: Bring your dog home

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Losfirst day with a foster dogwill be filled with lots of treats for you and your dog. Before you start looking for your dog, make sure you have a safe place for him at home, e.g. B. a box or a bed just for him. If you pick them up in the car, think of a safe way to transport them home as well.

Don't overdo it on the first day. Keep everything as minimal as possible. Try to create a quiet environment for your dog with plenty of downtime so he doesn't feel overwhelmed.

(Video) How to PREP for a RESCUE DOG | What to Expect (FIRST NIGHT)

Avoid introducing too many new toys or family members at once. If possible, get children and other pets out of the house for the first few hours while the dog calms down.

Try to limit the space they have to explore to a few rooms so they don't feel unnecessarily overwhelmed. After the first few hours, you can introduce your new dog to family members in a nice, slow-paced manner.

Wait until they are calm and relaxed and let your dog get to know them one at a time. Always allow the dog to approach new people and pets if they wish. This will help build confidence with each new experience.

For the first night you need to pay attentionthe dogs are sleepingWherever your designated sleeping place is. Maybe it's downstairs in a box, or maybe it's in a basket at the foot of your bed.

Don't forget to take them to the bathroom before bed and make sure they are comfortable.

Don't be surprised if your dog howls all night; this is normal behavior for a frightened dog and in a new place.

If your dog howls, approach him gently and pet him a few times to calm him down. If that doesn't work, you may need to ignore the behavior until he learns to calm down and relax.

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Day 2: Getting to know each other

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Day two is the first day your dog wakes up in his new home. The second day should be dedicated to getting to know your dog and getting to know each other.

Also on the second day, limit the space they can explore to a few rooms, they already have a lot of new experiences to process, so don't overwhelm them.

If you're working, it would be great to take the first few days off so you can spend that time getting to know and learning about your doghelps them adaptto your new life.

If possible, spend the whole day with them. Allow them to come to you if they want. Try a few tricks to see how much you already know (or don't know).

Take him for a walk to get him used to your neighborhood and normal running routine. make sure thatkeep them in checkwhile you get to know them and their behavior.

These first few days are crucial in building a positive bond between the two of you and other family members, though you will also be an important presence in your new dog's life.

Day 3: Build trust

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(Video) Surviving the first week with your Fearful Rescue Dog

On the third day, you can start expanding the space they have to explore in the house.

You still need to keep an eye on them, and if you can't be with them, limit the area they need to explore to a single room, or even better, a crate or ex-pen.

If there are children or other pets in the home, encourage them not to approach the dog unless she is approaching them to get their attention.

This way your dog does not feel restricted and can get used to his new life in peace and without pressure.

To build trust between the two of you, never yell or use any form of punishment. Dogs respond well to thispositive training methodsrather than an alpha male approach.

Day 4: Start creating a routine

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Now that your dog trusts you and gets to know you a little better, you can begin to establish a routine that will help your dog feel safe and secure.

Your routine needs to include meals, walks, and timeeducation, periods of rest and mind games that stimulate them mentally.

You can use a crate to encourage periods of rest. A good routine will help youpuppyset up quickly; An irregular daily routine can trigger anxiety in your dog as he worries about what is going to happen next.

Dogs like a predictable routine, especially ones that have been at the shelter and haven't had the best start in life.

Day 5: Start exercising

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Training your new pup can be a challenge as they are likely to develop bad habits throughout their lives.

It takes a lot of patience and a lot of sweets andtoys!

Try not to expect too much of your dog for the first few weeks, you need to build his trust in you before he starts wanting to please you.

Start with basic obedience training like sitting. Always conduct any workout in an area free of distractions. Keep the session positive and never yell or get angry. Keep sessions short but frequent throughout the day.

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(Video) 5 Big Tips When Bringing Home a New Dog

Day 6: Visit to the vet

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Ideally, you should already have visited a veterinarian before bringing your dog home. B.call home a shelter dogcan even make suggestions for a vet nearby.

Your dog must be examined within the first week of being brought home. This can be quite a stressful experience for your dog as the clinical environment can remind them of itthe courtcenter where they lived.

To prepare your new pet for this visit, you can take a look at your dog's ears, mouth, and paws at home to get him used to this type of interaction.

It can be helpful to just visit the vet as a social visit, and maybe give them a treat while you're talking to the vet. Then leave and come back a few days later for a check-up.

Your veterinarian can help with recommended diet, nutrition, exercise, and attend to any medical needs they may have.

Day 7: Dealing with destructive behaviors

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Now that your new dog has had a few days to adjust, you may notice some destructive behaviors.

Many dogs that come from difficult home and shelter situations have behavioral issues that stem from fear and anxietyAngstabout your past experiences.

It's even possible they ended up in a rescue center because their previous owner wasn't equipped well enough to properly train them.

Some of the more common behaviors you might see might include: "accidents" around the house, chewing, excessive barking, pulling the leash, jumping, not remembering, and sometimes even aggression.

Each of these things requires careful retraining, but here are some quick tips for each.

accidents at home

If your dog is not housebroken, you must do thisdeal withlike a dog and retrain them. Keep a constant eye on your dog for signs that he needs to urinate. Sniffing, whining, and running in circles are signs they need to go.

Take her outside immediately if you notice any of these signs. Keeping a regular feeding schedule and taking them to the bathroom frequently will also help.

Don't get mad at them or scold them; Always try to stay positive even when accidents happen.

If your new dog is still having accidents after the first few weeks despite consistent training efforts, take him to the vet to see if there is a medical cause.

(Video) 30 day survival guide for the rescue dog

Ebring home a rescue dogneeds a little more help to quickly learn the ins and outs of the pottyeducation, take a look at ourTips on how to teach your dog to use the potty.

chew

Something not everyone thinks about before adopting a rescue dog is the damage they can do to their home. Rescue dogs often take a little time to adjust to their new homes, and some fear neglect or abuse. No matter how young or old your foster dog is, destructive chewing is something you should be prepared for.

any destructive onesbehavioral problems, like chewing, must be positively redirected. If you see him chewing on a chair leg, give him an appropriate toy. Don't leave things on the floor for them to chew on and puppy-proof your home.

Make sure they have activities and distractions to avoid annoying and destructive behavior while they adjust to their new surroundings.

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far away

If your dog barks a lot, there is usually a reason for the barking. your dog mightthey bark when they are alone, bored, not getting enough attention, stressed, or feeling the need to protect the home.

You need to identify which of these behaviors is the root cause, and then address that cause. If for example yourthe dog is bored, you can try to stimulate them mentally and play brain games like treasure hunts or hide and seek.

pull the leash

How much time do I need to trainwalkmy dog ​​patiently at my side, treat yourselftraining a rescueit is usually the best method. Every time your dog walks the way you want, reward him with a treat.

If he's struggling with this concept, stop every time he tries to pull and reward him when he stops pulling. You can find more tips on training with a loose leash hereHow to stop your dog from pulling on the leash.

To jump

If your dog tries to jump at you, ignore him and walk away. Without attention, they should soon tire of this behavior.

Practice interviews often and reward them if they approach it correctly. This won't happen overnight and will require constant focus from you and everyone else in your household to help your dog understand the appropriate behaviors to get your attention.

Raub

Depending on the level of aggression, it may be necessary to seek professional advice from apuppyCoach. If he bites or bites you, growls or growls, or does anything that scares you, it's a good time to seek help.

The longer the behavior persists, the more difficult it is to correct. Your dog is only reacting out of fear or anxiety, so a trainer can help you isolate the problem and find safe ways to keep your dog comfortable.

If your dog's aggression is limited to meeting strangers on his daily walks, he may have something to do with itChainRobbery. Learn how to boost your dog's confidence and break this intimidating behaviorTips for overcoming leash aggression in dogs.

In a week - Adopt a rescued dog

It can take up to six months for your new dog to fully adjust to your home and new life. So don't be disappointed if he doesn't behave well or adapt well after the first week.

The decision to adopt a pet of any kind is a big commitment and you should be willing to invest a lot of time and love into your pet.puppy🇧🇷 Rescue dogs often have some behaviors and routines that you need to train them for. So don't expect a perfectly trained dog just because he's no longer a puppy.

(Video) FIRST NIGHT WITH NEW RESCUE | ADOPTED | PUPPY | DOG (BEWARE)

You must consider all aspects of your new dog's health and needs, including diet, training, routine, exercise, and don't forget to have fun!

Adopting a Rescue Dog: Tips for Surviving the First Seven Days (13)

Having trouble getting your new dog used to your home? Share your rescue stories, achievements, and tips with us in the comments below!

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